21 Weeks

My belly isn't quite as exciting as the little girl who is inside it, but I might as well share it anyway. Baby girl and I are at 21 weeks now and she is as long as a carrot (about 10 1/2 inches) and according to the ultrasound, weighs 14 ounces. All of her measurements are right on track, so even though I look pretty big already, she is not a huge baby (thank goodness). Since we found out the sex, I've already purchased this adorable outfit I've had my eye on for a few months as well as most of the crib bedding that I fell in love with when I first became pregnant. It all feels so real now! We love you so much already baby bird!

It's a...

GIRL!

Here SHE is - our baby bird! Isn't she the most beautiful little girl you've ever seen? Tim and I couldn't be happier! The moment the ultrasound tech told us it was a girl, we both grinned excitedly at each other and Tim did a celebratory fist pump into the air. It was absolutely adorable to see my husband so ecstatic about his little girl. This ultrasound was quite a bit longer than the first and we got to see every part of her, perfectly formed and functioning. For a while she was still, but then she started wiggling around for us and Tim said she was probably showing off! What a joy to see our baby healthy and happy. Even though we've heard stories about about incorrect gender predictions, our tech told us that there is no way we're having a boy and the second picture should prove that :)  Now onto the fun stuff like picking a name, planning the nursery, and looking at cute, girly things! Thank you for sharing this exciting time with us. We can't wait for all of you to meet our baby girl!

20 Weeks - Half Way There!

On Saturday we hit the 20-week mark which means we're already HALF WAY there! Wow! Baby bird is now 10 1/2 ounces and 10 inches long (from heat to heel), about the length of a banana. The little "kicks" are getting stronger and more consistent, but we're still waiting for more muscle power so Tim can join in the fun. I am finally starting to notice that this belly of mine is going to get in the way sometimes. My arms are losing comfortable positions when I lay down to sleep each night and every single crumb and food particle that misses my mouth finds a new home somewhere on my protruding middle. Although I may have a few more complaints as this pregnancy progresses, I am loving every minute of it! Friday is our big day when we will be able to rejoice specifically over our son or daughter to come. We...cannot... wait! We will share our news with all of you as soon as possible so you can share the excitement. I also had to share a picture of the cutest little gift that baby bird's Aunt Nellie bought her:

A tiny Starbucks onesie! How perfect! Thanks, Nellie! See you all Friday :)

19 Weeks

After being out of town for an abbreviated spring break, baby and I are back with a 19 week update just before the 20-week mark. Our little bird is now the size of a large heirloom tomato weighing 8 1/2 ounces and measuring 6 inches from head to bottom. I added the inset picture for comparison since, in all our visiting fun, I did not think to pick up an heirloom tomato. This last week was especially exciting not only because we were able to spend time with family and friends, but also because I'm sure now that the occasional twitch I have been feeling is actually the baby! It is still weak and inconsistent, but what an incredible sensation! It will only get stronger from here and I'm looking forward to sharing this experience with Tim. 

18 Weeks

Time is flying by! Baby and I are already 18 weeks along which means she/he (we think it's a she, by the way) is 5 1/2 inches long (about the size of a sweet potato) and weighs 6 ounces. This little one is definitely going through a growth spurt because I am constantly hungry. I'm also taking way more trips to the restroom than usual, so I think she's starting to crowd my bladder. I've slowly been working on a list of baby necessities and a registry, but there are so many choices! Tim and I are taking a trip to the west side this weekend, so I'm excited to do some product browsing in person. Luckily, though, with the research I've done online, I shouldn't be too overwhelmed. Fun times ahead! I hope everyone had a great weekend! 

Coming Soon

I had a routine check-up today and baby bird's heartbeat was going strong like usual, but it was still exciting to hear. The big news, though, is that I made my ultrasound appointment where we will hopefully find out the sex of the baby for March 27th. In 3 1/2 weeks we will finally know if we will be searching through girl's names or boy's names for our first baby. Crazy as it sounds, that week will also mark the half way point until baby is born, too! Ready or not, time is flying by! 

I also wanted to mention that I've made some changes to the comments section, so for those of you who have had trouble leaving a comment, you should have no trouble just choosing "anonymous". Just make sure to sign your name so I know who you are :)

17 Weeks (and definitely showing!)

Wow! It seems like I grew a few inches wider just over this past week! It may be because baby is going through a growth spurt right now and will double in size the next couple of weeks. Currently she is 5 inches long (about the size of a large onion) and weighs 5 ounces. This shirt has a lot to do with how pronounced I look as well because it conforms to my every-growing belly (thanks, Mom!) I am enjoying everything about pregnancy including the extreme body changes. This week I've had my first few inquiries about my pregnancy from complete strangers, so I must obviously look like I'm expecting :) I know I may get tired of talking to people about my belly and the baby inside, but right now it is so exciting! Some people have asked how I've been feeling throughout this whole process and so far I literally have no complaints. I am counting my blessings, too, because not everyone has it this easy. I am aware, though, that I will be my biggest at the hottest time of the year, so I may not paint such a rosy picture then! For now I will enjoy every moment and try to remember how amazing it feels to be carrying our first child.